Despite finishing 2nd in the Pacific Division in the 2008-09 season, the Phoenix Suns failed to make the playoffs, but expect a return in the 2009-10 season. To that end, the offseason was busy. In the draft they picked up Earl Clark, who’s drawn comparisons to Lamar Odom, and they brought in Channing Frye from the Trail Blazers. They traded Shaquille O'Neal for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic, and then bought out both in a bid to decrease their luxury tax exposure. Losing Shaq means that Amar'e Stoudemire can take over as the uncontested star, and if his eye heals well, expect him to lead the Suns to the playoffs. If you’d rather watch it all go down live than on TV, then go ahead and secure your tickets to US Airways Center now!

After the 2001-2002 season, the Phoenix Suns made some major changes by trading players and changing their coaching staff. For the 2003-04 season Mike D'Antoni, came on board and turned the Suns back into contenders.